My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 242

Sienna

Dad's eyes landed on me, flicking briefly between Alexander and me before drifting to the file in my hands. His lips parted. "You brought it, Princess," he exclaimed. "Evie reminded you, didn't she?"

As soon as I saw my dad, I swallowed the curses threatening to spill. My anger hadn't lessened, but I knew better than to let it loose here. "Yeah, Mom forced me to come instead of coming herself. She's busy with some new book," I muttered, rolling my eyes and handing him the file. "Here. I'll leave now."

I turned to go, but Dad's voice stopped me in my tracks. "Wait, Princess. Have you met Alex?"

God. Dad and his insufferable habit of introducing me to his business partners.

"Well, Mr. Adriano," Alexander said smoothly, "we already know each other. We went to the same school-Riverstone High."

I clenched my fists at my sides, suppressing the urge to lash out. Everything about Alexander Grayson infuriated me his voice, his smug expression, even the way he breathed.

"What? Really?" Dad's eyes widened with surprise. "That's unexpected. Even if you already know him, I'd still like to formally introduce you. This is Alex, my new business partner. We're working on a project together."

He smiled, "Project Sienna."

My head snapped up. What in the damn hell?

Out of all the names in the world, my dad chose to name a project after me. And of all the people he could partner with, he picked Alexander-fucking-Grayson?

"What?" I asked, my voice betraying my disbelief. My eyes darted to Alex, whose lips curved into that infuriating smirk. He was enjoying this. Of course he was.

"We were struggling to come up with a name," Dad explained, walking around his desk to sit down. "So I suggested yours. Simple and elegant!"

"That was... really stupid, Dad," I stammered. "Why would you name it after me?"

"Why? What's wrong with that, Sienna?" Alex interjected, his tone dripping with mock innocence.

My jaw tightened, and I shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel.

"Listen, Sienna," Dad said, chuckling. "Your mom and I chose that name for you, so we have every right to use it. Don't complain."

"But Dad-"

"No buts," he interrupted, already flipping through the file. "By the way, have you sent in your paintings yet? Don't tell me you're late again. You sent the last exhibit late, too."

"I'll send them soon. Don't worry."

"Good. By the way, Alex, I don't know if you know this, but Sienna's a painter. Her work has been featured in galleries worldwide. Some of her pieces have sold for over a million at auctions. Her art is absolutely_"

"Amazing," Alex finished, cutting him off effortlessly. His gaze, however, never left mine.

surprised. "You've

Alex said, his tone casual, though his eyes held something deeper. "I've always been drawn to art

as he began naming my paintings. "Phantom's Solace... Maiden's Heart... Angel Without Wings..." His voice

as he finished. "And Darkness of

that one! Darkness of the Heart," Dad chimed in, his voice brimming

wavering from me. There was something in the way his blue eyes darkened-a quiet

tightened. My breathing quickened, and my heart pounded so loudly it felt

"Anyway, Dad, I have work to do. I'll leave now," I said, my voice sharp, betraying my agitation. I nodded curtly toward Alex, my tone

waiting for Dad to respond or acknowledging Alex's lingering gaze, I turned on my heel

felt heavier as I made my way down the hall, my heart thundering against my ribcage. The air felt too thick,

****

this looks?" I asked, holding up a sleek, red dress against myself, glancing at

his eyes from his phone. "It's

on the rack. "Can you pay attention to me at least once in this lifetime,

not good at this stuff," he

you've done since we got here is scroll through your phone. Don't you think your girlfriend deserves at least half an hour of

into his pocket and walked over, cupping my face gently. "Okay, I'm sorry," he whispered, his lips brushing softly against mine in apology. His smile no matter how small or how

might be

me. "It won't

again."

s

happen again-He'd said that so many

thousand times, I

nodded, giving him the faintest

I do? I loved

my waist as he murmured in my ear, "You see this woman right here? She's the most beautiful, amazing, talented person I've ever met. And the best part? She doesn't need me or anyone else to tell her how sturning

help her find the perfect dress. So

everything, a laugh slipped past my

out dresses, shoes, and accessories. For a moment, it felt almost normal, like we were just another happy couple When we finally stepped outside, arms

inside," he said, leaning in to kiss

quick. Wait here, okay?"

watching as he disappeared back into the shop. Alone now, I leaned against his car, humming

Then my phone buzzed.

frowned at the

text.

better of me, and I opened

always been good at reading people, but I can't for the

why you're

eyes darted around the parking lot, scanning for any sign of the sender. But there was no